The fastest superyacht tenders in the world

SV Alpha (78+ knots)

The speedy newcomer

Launched at the 2017 Miami Boat Show and billed as "the world's fastest luxury yacht", the 11.7 metre SV Alpha has a claimed top speed in excess of 78 knots. This speed machine gets its power from a pair of 700hp Mercury Racing SCI engines paired to SSM6 surface drives, although a more sensible twin 520hp version is also offered.

Premium features include bespoke sunpads, a champagne cooler, underwater lighting and a high-end stereo system. Ideal for daytime entertaining, the SV Alpha can carry up to 15 guests on the ride of a lifetime.

Wahoo Ribs RX700 (70 knots)

The tender that is built for speed

Anyone who catches a glimpse of the four bright orange bucket seats on the RX700 will think the same thing — speed. And they are not wrong, the 9.6 metre RX700 tender from Wahoo Ribs is not for the faint-hearted.

The outstanding performance characteristics of the Wahoo hull combine with the twin 350 horsepower, super-charged Mercury Verado outboard engines, to fire it to a staggering 70 knots (80.5 mph).

However, the meticulous design means the RX700 isn't just about speed. According to Wahoo it is also "perfectly behaved at sea in a sedate superyacht tender environment".

The large 700 litre fuel tank means the RX700 is not just a one-trip wonder either. With a range of over 300 nautical miles it can easily venture ahead to the next destination along the coast, without having to wait for the mothership.

Wahoo Ribs LX600 (65 knots)

The super speedy party boat

The technically advanced 9.6 metre LX600 has a hull that was inspired by the race boat designs of legendary naval architect Lorne Campbell, but reconfigured by Wahoo's own designer for improved performance.

Twin 300 horsepower Mercury Verado outboard engines power the LX600 to an impressive 65 knots (75 mph). It is the only rib of its kind to have Mercury's innovative joystick control system, making for super easy handling.

The LX600 has space for 12 guests to fly across the waves in superyacht style. The custom JL Audio Marine speaker system can blast a superyacht worthy 1300 Watts through 12 speakers, three sub woofers and two amplifiers.

The LX600 was delivered in November 2015 to join its 85.5 metre Oceanco mothership, Sunrays.

X-Craft X-Line (55+ knots)

The superfast RIB superyacht tender

They might look more utilitarian, but few yacht tenders can beat the sporty handling and dry ride of a RIB.

The X-line from X-Craft is one of the fastest yacht tenders around, running at top speeds exceeding 55 knots (63 mph) and capable of catching some air along the way.

The deck configuration is customisable from eight to nine metres, meaning up to 11 customers can be carried in comfort.

Novamarine Black Shiver 140 (48 knots)

The sleek Italian speed machine

Italian yard Novamarine is no stranger to building high-performance custom powerboats, with 40 models sold to the Qatari Coast Guard alone, but the Black Shiver 140 is the pick of the bunch when it comes to speedy superyacht tenders. Motoring along at 48 knots even in choppy conditions, this aggressively styled tender cuts through the wave and boasts sporty handling without ever losing grip.

Available in both cabin and open guises, the 13.85 metre Black Shiver 140 can be fitted out with a small galley, heads compartment and shower. Engine options include inboard, outboard and jet-drive set-ups for a maximum output of 1,050hp. And with a triple 400hp Mercury outboard version on the way, this design looks set to rise even closer to the top of our list in 2017.

Picture courtesy of Aqua Luxe

Williams Turbojet 445 S (46 knots)

The pocket-size fast yacht tender

Don't let the petite dimensions of this RIB fool you, though the Williams Turbojet 445 S is only 4.54 metres LOA, she packs a serious punch. This fast tender can get up to a maximum speed of 46 knots (53 mph), leaving much larger yacht tenders in her wake.

Not just for running ship to shore, the Turbojet 445 S can also tow water-skiers, making her an ideal all-around tender for yachts with limited garage stowage space.

Castoldi JT21 (40.5 knots)

The jet-driven superyacht tender

Italian jet drive specialist Castoldi knows a thing or two about speedy superyacht tenders, and the 6.24 metre Castoldi JT21 is the fastest in its collection, driven by a 260hp Yanmar engine to a top speed of more than 40 knots. The central helm position leaves room for up to 12 guests sitting forward and aft, while the jet drives are not only safer for watersports and swimming, but they also reduce the risk of running aground in shallow waters.

Limo tender to Sea Owl (40 knots)

The fast limo tender

For a fast yacht tender that is also undeniably beautiful, look no further than this limo tender by Hodgdon Yachts.

The award-winning limo tender to Feadship yacht Sea Owl has been customised to match the yacht and is as detailed as her highly bespoke mothership.

One of the top superyacht limo tenders, she offers comfortable indoor seating for trips to shore, getting there quickly thanks to a top speed of 40 knots (46 mph).

Invictus 280GT (38 knots)

The stylish and fast superyacht tender

The 9.25 metre  Invictus 280GT superyacht tender is fast, and with lines by designer Christian Grande she is also super stylish.

Her x-bow cuts beautiful shapes across the water as she rides at speeds up to 38 knots (44 mph), propelled by a 320hp Volvo V8 sterndrive diesel engine.

Grande aimed to pack big amenities into the small package, so despite coming in under 10 metres, she still offers ample sunpads, a galley with fridge and a V-berth and toilet in the cabin.

Wider 32 (37+ knots)

The fast day boat superyacht tender

The Wider 32 might have been designed to match the new Wider 165 flagship, but she is also an ideal standalone day boat.

She has a surprisingly spacious cabin hidden inside with two sofas that are convertible to beds and a fully stocked galley.

The Wider 32 can also be customised to match the yacht she services, seen on the water in a variety of colours already including orange, white and green. Best of all, this yacht tender is fast, hitting speeds of more than 37 knots (42.5 mph) when Boat International sea trialed the Wider 32 last year.

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